The Kosciuszko Foundation is dedicated to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the United States and Poland and to increase American understanding of Polish culture and history. Founded in 1925, on the eve of the 150th anniversary of Thaddeus Kosciuszko's enlistment in the American revolutionary cause, the Foundation is a national not-for-profit, nonpartisan, and nonsectarian organization.

The Foundation's work reaches audiences throughout the United States, through its headquarters in New York City and its regional Chapters in Chicago, Denver (Rocky Mountain), Houston (Texas), Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Springfield (New England), Buffalo (Western New York State), Ohio (Cleveland) as well as through its National Advisory Council. The Kosciuszko Foundation is a membership organization, which is supported by contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals who share the Foundation's mission of fostering the relations and understanding between the United States and Poland.

They offer a number of Scholarships and Programs (some highlighted below):

YEAR ABROAD PROGRAM

This scholarship supports semester and year long Polish language studies during academic year October - June at the Center of Polish Language and Culture in the World at the Jagiellonian University in Cracow. Funding is provided jointly by the Polish Ministry of Education and the Kosciuszko Foundation. The Scholarship includes acceptance to the program, a tuition waiver and a Ministry stipend in the amount of 1,350 zloty per month for housing and living expenses. Additional funding of $900 per semester is awarded by the Kosciuszko Foundation. Airfare to and from Poland is not included.

Eligibility

Undergraduate sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who are US citizens may apply. Students who have Polish citizenship are not eligible.

DR. MARIE E. ZAKRZEWSKI MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Dr. Marie E. Zakrzewski Medical Scholarship of $3,500 is awarded to a young woman of Polish ancestry for first, second, or third year of medical studies at an accredited school of medicine in the United States. Funding is for academic year September - May and is awarded on a competitive basis.

Eligibility

United States citizens of Polish descent and Polish citizens with permanent residency status in the United States who are entering first, second or third year of studies towards and M.D. degree. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required.This scholarship is open to female residents of the state of Massachusetts and is non-renewable.

TUITION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Kosciuszko Foundation Tuition Scholarships support American students of Polish descent for graduate studies in any field at colleges and universities in the United States. Funding is for academic year September - May. Scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $7,000 are awarded on a competitive basis for one academic year.

The scholarship program also supports masters degree studies at the Jagiellonian University Center for European Studies and various English Schools of Medicine in Poland.

United States citizens of non-Polish descent may apply for funding when their studies are primarily focused on Polish subjects.

Dedicated funding within the program is used to support the following geographic areas and fields of study:

residents of New Jersey for graduate studies especially in nursing, teaching and business;

residents of Amsterdam, NY, Chicopee, MA, and New Hampshire;

residents of Connecticut, especially Fairfield and New Haven counties;

leadership, excellent written and verbal communication and participation in school and/or community activities;

Eligibility

United States citizens and permanent residents of Polish descent who are beginning or continuing their graduate studies and who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Scholarships are awarded for full-time studies only. Only one member per immediate family may receive a tuition scholarship during any given academic year. Applicants may re-apply. Awards are limited to only two tuition scholarships per individual during the period of his/her studies.

POLISH NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF BROOKLYN, USA SCHOLARSHIPS

The Polish National Alliance of Brooklyn, USA Scholarship provides funding of $2,000 to a qualified undergraduate student for full-time studies at an accredited college or university in the United States. Scholarships will be awarded for academic year September - May. The selection of the Polish National Alliance of Brooklyn, USA Scholarship winner is made on a competitive basis by the Kosciuszko Foundation. For more information on membership in the Polish National Alliance Brooklyn, USA please call (718) 389-4704.

Eligibility

United States citizens of Polish descent and Polish citizens with permanent residency status in the US who are members in good standing of the Polish National Alliance of Brooklyn, USA, Lodge #1903 and who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Only one member per immediate family may receive a tuition scholarship during any given academic year. This scholarship is non-renewable.

POLISH AMERICAN CLUB OF NORTH JERSEY

The Polish American Club of North Jersey Scholarships provide funding of $500-$2,000 to qualified students for full-time undergraduate and graduate studies at accredited colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarships will be awarded for academic year September-May. The selection of Polish American Club of North Jersey Scholarship winners is made on a competitive basis by the Kosciuszko Foundation on behalf of the Polish American Club of North Jersey. This scholarship is renewable.

Eligibility

United States citizens of Polish descent and Polish citizens with permanent residency status in the U.S. who are active member of the Polish American Club of North Jersey and who have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Children and grandchildren of Club members are eligible. Only one member per immediate family may receive a Polish American Club of North Jersey Scholarship during any given academic year.